A pub that dates back to the 1880s has failed to sell at auction.

Situated in Lowestoft as it occupies "a stunning historic building", the freehold pub with two flats above it went under the hammer last week.

The Grade II-listed Carousel pub was due to be sold as it was listed for auction.

The "impressive historical building" situated in a "prominent position" on High Street was marketed by Auction House East Anglia.

It was due to be sold at an online auction on September 11 with a minimum guide price of £260,000 to £280,000, plus fees, after being postponed prior to a previous Auction House East Anglia online auction.

Described as a "ready made investment", it was due to be sold on a freehold tenure with the business unaffected by the auction as the pub is currently leased until November 12, 2028.

The Carousel pub and flats in Lowestoft have been listed for auction. Picture: Auction House East AngliaThe Carousel pub and flats in Lowestoft was listed for auction. Picture: Auction House East Anglia (Image: Auction House East Anglia)

With "two generous two bedroom flats", it has stood as "a prominent corner building" within the North Lowestoft Conservation Area since the 1880s when it was known as The Fisheries Hotel in 1892 - becoming The Spread Eagle in the 1900s.

Most recently known as The Wheatsheaf, the pub reopened under its new name last year.

With the pub continuing to be open as usual, ownership of the public house and two recently refurbished two-bedroom flats was up for grabs via the online auction.

As The Carousel Pub and Flats 1 and 2 at 108 High Street in Lowestoft went under the hammer, the property description from the auctioneers said: "The Carousel public house with two recently refurbished two bedroom flats above, currently let producing £32,400 pa.

"This is a great ready made investment property."

The pub, which features a bar area, pool table area, seating, function room and an outside terrace seating area, has a lease until November 2028.

There is also planning permission for the basement to be converted into a further flat.

But following the auction, the auctioneers said that "the bidding reached £264,000", however The Carousel Pub and Flats 1 and 2 at 108 High Street in Lowestoft was "unsold" at the auction.